Producer Namit Malhotra reacts to India vs US launch debate after Ramayan revelations
Ramayana director Nitish Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra spoke candidly about the film’s global rollout and cultural sensitivity. He also confirmed that Ranbir Kapoor was always the first choice for Lord Ram.
with the first glimpse of Ramayana Now, introducing Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and hinting at the visual scale of the film, the makers have started opening up about the project. In a conversation after the launch, director Nitish Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra talked about the current status of the film, its international rollout and the challenges of adapting a story deeply rooted in public sentiments.
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Addressing the possibility of holding the event on a larger scale in India, Tiwari said, “I will send a message (to the producer),” explaining why the team chose to begin its reach internationally. “For India, you need a special opportunity,” he said.
On adopting a culturally sensitive epic
Speaking about the importance of adaptation RamayanaTiwari acknowledged the emotional and cultural sensitivity associated with the topic. “You understand sensitivity and attachment.” Ramayana), you keep those things in mind. We have taken care in depicting Lord Ram. I feel like it’s very authentic,” he said.
He also confirmed that Kapoor was always the first choice for the role, saying simply, “Yes.”
Global ambition and international rollout
Meanwhile, producer Namit Malhotra stressed the film’s global ambitions and opposed the idea of limiting it Ramayana For domestic audience.
“There are Indians all over the world. We should not be divisive; that’s where we go wrong.” Ramayana. There is no division, it is one world, one Ramayana And one Ram. The idea is to show it to the whole world. How do we bring awareness? Every Indian knows about it Ramayana),” He said.
Asked if international audiences are unfamiliar with the epic, Malhotra said, “I want to make sure everyone is aware of it.” Ramayana. It is difficult for us to stop work in between shoots and meet people and spread awareness; We are not selling tickets.”
He also underlined the larger goal of establishing Indian cinema at the global level. “We want to take Ramayana For the world. In over 100 years of movies, we have never left a mark in the West. We produce over 1000 films per year; They should watch our films and respect them. It is not that our films are inferior to anyone else’s; We make great films,” he said.
on audience expectations
When asked again about hosting an event in India, Malhotra reiterated his stance against comparisons. “Don’t be divisive. This is not the time to be divisive. Indians in the US are thanking and appreciating us (for organizing an event in the US), you need to understand the sentiments of the Indian people there,” he said.
He also addressed the absence of Hanuman revelation on Hanuman Jayanti while urging the audience to be patient. “We’ll show you the whole thing Ramayana If it was ready. On Ram Navami people told us that we should do this (unveil the look). Ramayana). We never announced that we are coming on Ram Navami. I respect your sentiment. Have some patience, we will bring out (other things also).”
The post-production of the first installment is currently underway, and the shooting of the second part is already underway. The first part is set to release this Diwali. Ramayana is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious Indian film projects in recent times, both in scale and intent.